脱贫 (tuōpín) is one of the most important political and social buzzwords in 21st-century China. Its significance is rooted in the “Poverty Alleviation Campaign” (脱贫攻坚战 - tuōpín gōngjiān zhàn), a signature policy of the Chinese government under Xi Jinping, which officially declared victory in early 2021.
National Project, Not Just Individual Struggle: Unlike the Western concept of “climbing out of poverty,” which often emphasizes individual grit and opportunity, 脱贫 (tuōpín) in China is framed as a massive, collective, state-driven effort. The government is the primary actor, mobilizing resources, assigning officials to poor villages, and implementing targeted solutions. The narrative is one of national unity and the superiority of the Chinese socialist system in achieving what many other nations cannot.
Comparison to “Welfare”: The Western concept of a “social safety net” or “welfare” is often seen as a passive support system to prevent people from falling too low. China's approach to 脱贫 (tuōpín) is far more proactive and goal-oriented. It's not just about providing aid; it's a “battle” (攻坚战 - gōngjiān zhàn) to be won, with clear targets, timelines, and a declaration of final victory. This reflects a cultural value placed on collective mobilization and achieving concrete national goals.
Link to National Pride and Legitimacy: Successfully leading the nation to 脱贫 (tuōpín) is a major source of pride and a cornerstone of the Communist Party's legitimacy. It is presented as a historic achievement and a key step towards the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and building a “moderately prosperous society” (小康社会 - xiǎokāng shèhuì).